TEACHERS in the dale are committed to providing education to pupils despite schools closing for the foreseeable future.
The government announced last week that all schools would close on Friday, March 20, until further notice in response to the pandemic. Schools in Teesdale have had to find ways to continue education provision outside of the classroom.
Barnard Castle School announced that all pupils will have access to a remote learning platform and pupils were encouraged to treat everyday as a normal school day.
In a letter to parents, headteacher Tony Jackson wrote: “First and foremost, please let me reassure you that your child’s Barney education will continue whether they are physically at school or not. Although the announcement by the government is a serious escalation in the fight against the global COVID-19 pandemic and will have come as a shock to many people, we have been planning for this eventuality for a number of weeks. Through the use of Microsoft teams, an application in our Microsoft Office 36package which every child has access to, we are ready to launch a remote learning programme.
“At Barney, we believe a child’s education goes beyond the classroom. We know that this will be a testing time for our pupils. We would like to reassure you that we will continue to support your child’s development through our existing pastoral structures.”
Pupils are being encouraged to be out of bed, dressed and ready to work each day for 9am. They were also reminded that the official Easter holiday doesn’t begin until 5pm on Friday, March 27.
Parents are asked to remain “calm and measured” and provide their child with a quiet place to work that limits distractions. A scheduled approach throughout the day, with downtime and exercise, is also encouraged.
Mr Jackson added: “It is in times like these that we learn the true meaning of the word character. If nothing else, I am confident that as a consequence of this situation, with our and your support, your children will be better equipped for the trials and tribulations on the bumpy road that lies ahead in their lives. Our community is our strength. Our message to pupils, whether online or face-to-face, continues to be one of calm, reassurance, resilience and positivity.”
Meanwhile, staff at Teesdale School have also made arrangements for pupil’s learning to continue at home.
Lesley Powell, boss of the North East Learning Trust, which runs Teesdale School, wrote: “We have been planning for this eventuality and will provide you with details of how we will continue to provide education to your children in the next day or so.
“In line with the announcement, our schools will only remain open for vulnerable pupils and the children of key workers.”
Similarly, a remote learning strategy has also been introduced for Staindrop Academy pupils. Headteacher Kelvin Simpson said: “The school appreciates the massive challenges that this ann-
ouncement will make on your whole family.
“We have implemented a learning strategy from home, a line of communication for parents and will endeavour to keep you as well informed as possible as events unfold.”
With no indication of when term time might resume, all GCSE exams have been cancelled.
